In Dubai, South Africa defeated the West Indies by ten wickets in their first Women’s T20 World Cup encounter on Friday. The contest demonstrated the brilliance of South Africa’s bowling and opening batting groups, leaving little doubt about the country’s title ambitions. Captain Laura Wolvaardt (59 not out) and Tazmin Brits (57 not out) hit an unbeaten half-century in South Africa’s impressive chase of 119-0.
The left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba took a career-best 4-29 and reduced the West Indies to 118-6. In addition to earning South Africa two crucial points in Group B, this resounding victory establishes the tone for their World Cup campaign. The Proteas Women are clearly stating that they are here to fight for the championship, with Nonkululeko Mlaba playing at her peak and the batting order looking sharp.
South Africa’s Victory Cruise
West Indies attempted eight bowlers but could not separate the powerful South African pair, who cruised to victory with 13 balls to spare while hitting 13 boundaries between them. Spinner Karishma Ramharack came close to breaking the deadlock. Still, she couldn’t hold on to a brilliant return catch when Wolvaardt was on 33 as South Africa won its maiden game in Group B, which also contains first-timers Scotland, Bangladesh, and England.
Mlaba had earlier pressured the West Indies in the middle overs after captain Hayley Matthews (10) was disappointed when she dropped an easy catch behind the wicket while attempting a third-over drive against Marizanne Kapp. Deandra Dottin, a veteran, went 11 deliveries and scored 13 runs in her comeback game after two years away before being caught by Wolvaardt at extra cover while attempting to clear the circle against Kapp’s full-pitched ball.
Mlaba then went through the middle order, completing a hat trick by dismissing Shemaine Campbelle and Chinelle Henry off successive deliveries as West Indies fell to 6-83 in 15 overs. Stafanie Taylor (44 not out) and Zaida James (15) contributed 35 runs per ball, but Mlaba‘s damage proved vital in limiting the West Indies total.
South Africa Faces England
The second match will be between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium, co-hosting the event alongside Sharjah. South Africa’s next match will be against England on Monday, October 7 at 16h00 (SAST) at Sharjah. There are ten competing teams, divided into two groups of five: Group A and Group B.
The top six teams from last year’s tournament (Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and West Indies) and the original hosts (Bangladesh, see below) were automatically qualified for this year’s event. Pakistan has also been named the next team in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rankings. The final two spots were chosen by the ICC 2024 Women’s World Cup Qualifier, which was held in April and May.
Final Thoughts
The ten participating teams were divided into two groups of five, similar to the actual event, and the two finalists, Scotland and Sri Lanka, qualified. The group stage will be in a round-robin, with each team playing the other four teams once. The top two teams in each group advance to the semifinals. The two semi-final winners will play in the final on October 20.
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